What Defines You (Part 2)
March 5, 2015
Old Friends
March 26, 2015
Previously we asked the questions:
- If you are to be introduced to speak at a function, what would be included by the host in your introduction?
- What if you were asked to make up your own introduction: what would you tell them to say about you?
These are penetrating questions that reflect what’s most important to us, but let’s take it a step further and ask how will Jesus introduce you to the Father on your judgment day? He will, you know. It’s coming. Yours. By yourself. Sooner than later.
When Jesus says, “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory … and then he will reward each person according to what he has done,” he is talking about your introduction – your personal introduction to your Creator and God. (Matthew16:27)
Are you excited about what Jesus will say about you?
And again, Paul writes, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” Those “things done” will comprise your introduction. (2 Corinthians 2:10)
Perhaps your introduction on that day will include three categories: Service – Sacrifice – Surrender. Are you stockpiling lots of service activities for that day? Many of you are, you know. You might think you will be congratulated for all your many church and community activities, but Jesus warns about this very thing when he says, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’”
The modern day translation is, “Jesus, I was on every church committee there was. I raised money for the Sunday School addition; I cooked pancakes for the men’s breakfast and worked on Habit for Humanity projects; I sang in the choir, served as an elder, and taught a woman’s Bible study. Just look at my resume!”
I want you to notice Jesus doesn’t pat them on the back and say, “I know you were sincere, even if sincerely wrong. Come on in anyway.” No, instead he says, “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22-23)
That’s not an introduction I want, do you? “Father, this is … uh, wait a minute, who are you? I don’t really know you.”
The scary thing about so many of Jesus’ parables concerning Judgment Day is everyone who misses heaven and ends up in Hell is … surprised … shocked. They can’t believe it’s happening to them: “Not me! I was a good person. Just look at my resume!”
Jesus says over and over, “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” for those who miss Heaven and end up in Hell. I don’t know exactly what gnashing of teeth is, but I know I don’t want to be doing it. (Matthew 8:12. 13:42, 13:50, 22:13.24:51, 25:30)
How would … will … Jesus introduce you to the Father on that day – your Day? I’m writing this in hopes you won’t be shocked. Will he know you? Will he know you by your many activities or by your heart for him? I hope it’s a personal introduction, not a reading of your resume.
But just imagine this: As you approach the Throne and Jesus starts your introduction, God the Father interrupts him and says, “Oh, no need for any introduction, Jesus. This is my son … my daughter. I can see the family resemblance. He/she looks a lot like you.
